Laurence v. Nelson

OPINION

Did the Family Court err in denying child visitation to a convicted murderer serving a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole? After reviewing the trial justice’s decision, the record in this case, the parties’ written submissions, and their oral arguments, we answer this question in the negative. For the reasons explained below, we are of the opinion that the trial justice acted within his discretion in concluding that it was not in the child’s best interests to allow the imprisoned father to have visitation with the child at this time.

The plaintiff, Norman Laurence…